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07/10/2003
Government welcomes rise in vocational degree places
The government has said that there will be an extra 10,000 places on foundation degree courses next year, "giving more people a chance to study for a vocationally-focused higher education qualification".
The new degrees aim to increase the number of people qualified at higher technician and associate professional level - like legal executives, engineering technicians, personnel officers, laboratory technicians and teaching assistants.
The increase announced today should mean at least 70,000 full and part time students are studying for the degrees in two years time, up from the 12,400 that were on courses last year.
Figures from the universities admissions service, UCAS, show that more students are choosing the degrees and more institutions are offering them. They will be able to bid for the extra places and for funds to develop new programmes.
Education Minister Alan Johnson said the degrees have been built with employers to help meet the needs of the workforce.
"We have made very clear that higher education expansion does not mean more of the same. We need expansion to reflect the needs of the economy and the economy is telling us it needs more graduates with specific skills at a particular level," he said.
"We expect three-quarters of a million new jobs over the next decade to be at the associate professional level - from medical technicians to aircraft engineers and teaching assistants."
Mr Johnson also said that the expansion does not represent a threat to the availability of honours degree places.
(gmcg)
The new degrees aim to increase the number of people qualified at higher technician and associate professional level - like legal executives, engineering technicians, personnel officers, laboratory technicians and teaching assistants.
The increase announced today should mean at least 70,000 full and part time students are studying for the degrees in two years time, up from the 12,400 that were on courses last year.
Figures from the universities admissions service, UCAS, show that more students are choosing the degrees and more institutions are offering them. They will be able to bid for the extra places and for funds to develop new programmes.
Education Minister Alan Johnson said the degrees have been built with employers to help meet the needs of the workforce.
"We have made very clear that higher education expansion does not mean more of the same. We need expansion to reflect the needs of the economy and the economy is telling us it needs more graduates with specific skills at a particular level," he said.
"We expect three-quarters of a million new jobs over the next decade to be at the associate professional level - from medical technicians to aircraft engineers and teaching assistants."
Mr Johnson also said that the expansion does not represent a threat to the availability of honours degree places.
(gmcg)
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20 August 2009
A-level Students Receive Results
Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level results today, as it has been revealed that a record-breaking number of students have been awarded the top A grades. More than a quarter of students - 26.7% achieved an A, an increase of 25.9% from last year, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) revealed.
A-level Students Receive Results
Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level results today, as it has been revealed that a record-breaking number of students have been awarded the top A grades. More than a quarter of students - 26.7% achieved an A, an increase of 25.9% from last year, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) revealed.
05 January 2004
Jack and Emily top baby name popularity list
Jack, for the ninth year running, was once again the most popular name for newborn boys whilst Emily topped the girls' popularity list for 2003. According to government statistics released today, for the first time in seven years Chloe is no longer the most popular girls' name in England and Wales. It drops to third place behind Emily and Ellie.
Jack and Emily top baby name popularity list
Jack, for the ninth year running, was once again the most popular name for newborn boys whilst Emily topped the girls' popularity list for 2003. According to government statistics released today, for the first time in seven years Chloe is no longer the most popular girls' name in England and Wales. It drops to third place behind Emily and Ellie.
22 March 2005
Government launches plan to boost workers' skills
The government has announced plans to tackle skills shortages among UK workers and help British companies compete with China, India and other emerging economies. Announcing the launch of the government's new Skills White Paper, Education Secretary Ruth Kelly pledged to put "an end to dead-end jobs".
Government launches plan to boost workers' skills
The government has announced plans to tackle skills shortages among UK workers and help British companies compete with China, India and other emerging economies. Announcing the launch of the government's new Skills White Paper, Education Secretary Ruth Kelly pledged to put "an end to dead-end jobs".
21 June 2010
Higher Fees 'Threaten University Places'
The number of students going to university would drop dramatically if annual tuition fees were to rise to £7,000, according to the latest Ipsos MORI survey published today by the Sutton Trust.
Higher Fees 'Threaten University Places'
The number of students going to university would drop dramatically if annual tuition fees were to rise to £7,000, according to the latest Ipsos MORI survey published today by the Sutton Trust.
13 January 2015
Crunch On School Places Could Reach 'Tipping Point' - LGA
Schools may be pushed to "breaking point" after council leaders are warning ahead of the deadline for primary school admissions. Thursday, 15 January, is the deadline for parents to apply for primary school places for September 2015. The parents of some 370,000 three- and four-year-olds will apply for a school place for their child.
Crunch On School Places Could Reach 'Tipping Point' - LGA
Schools may be pushed to "breaking point" after council leaders are warning ahead of the deadline for primary school admissions. Thursday, 15 January, is the deadline for parents to apply for primary school places for September 2015. The parents of some 370,000 three- and four-year-olds will apply for a school place for their child.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
